Driving innovation: Brisbane graduates pioneering the Autobook Car Community app

Originally from the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Vítor Hugo Paranhos decided to work and study in Australia back in 2015: a decision that would later prove to steer his career in some unexpected ways. 

Coming from a diverse background in Brazil spanning engineering and management, he had begun his career as a Sales Engineer at Volvo Construction Equipment. Deciding it was time to step up to new challenges, in 2015 he got on a plane and headed for his new job as an Automation Engineer at SAFE Group in sunny Brisbane, looking into new ways to improve automation processes and systems.

His career journey was clearly on the way up and he was soon offered another job: Senior Workshop Manager for Neuron Mobility: a company manufacturing and providing e-scooters for rideshare rental services in Brisbane.

It was during his time working in these roles and learning valuable skills in Brisbane that Vítor first began developing his idea for a digital auto-services community startup. 
His lifelong passion for cars had, in part, led him to pursue a career combining auto engineering and management. During his time in Australia, Vítor discovered a huge market, culture and community built around cars: but without any dedicated digital platform to connect drivers and services. 

“The idea for Autobook originated from my own experiences and frustrations as a car enthusiast,” explained Vítor. 

“I have always been passionate about cars, from the technical intricacies to the thrill of driving. Currently, I drive a Golf R Mk7.5, which I enjoy both for its performance and reliability. Managing car maintenance, finding reliable service providers, and connecting with like-minded individuals has often felt like a fragmented and inefficient process, but not only for me. I believe if you don't fit in the category of a car enthusiast, the whole dynamic of owning a car can be even more challenging. 

Cars are usually the second most important asset you have after your house. However, it is wild to think that in 2024, we are still using a notebook inside our glove compartment to record the history of our cars.”

Realising it was the right time to step up and put his entrepreneurial vision into action, Vítor made the decision to enrol in the course he needed in order to begin his own venture. 

“I chose the dual Master of Business Administration and Master of Global Project Management at Torrens University Australia,”  Vítor explained, “because it offered a blend of business acumen and project management expertise, which I knew would be invaluable for my career goals and to help me with my business idea. 

The curriculum is designed to provide a deep understanding of global business practices and strategic project management: skills that are crucial for leadership roles in today’s dynamic business environment. 

Moreover, Torrens University’s focus on practical learning and industry engagement made it the perfect choice to prepare me for real-world challenges and opportunities to work as a manager.”

When Vítor enrolled in the dual MBA and Master of Global Project Management, he had expected to gain the skills and experience he needed to launch his own business. In an unexpected twist, he also found the ideal business partner at the university.

“My business partner Renato Frias and I met during our time at Torrens University. Our shared interests in entrepreneurship and the automotive industry brought us together. We often discussed the potential for technology to address the inefficiencies in the automotive community, and these conversations eventually led to the formation of Autobook.

Pictured: Renato Frias (left) and Vítor Hugo Paranhos (right)

The partnership came about perfectly as I had the core idea for the app but needed to have the technical abilities to turn the idea into reality. 

However, Renato studied a Bachelor of Digital Media (Interaction Design), now the Bachelor of UX & Web Design, which provided him with all the digital and marketing skills necessary to make it happen. Our mutual respect for each other’s skills and vision made it clear that we would be a solid team to tackle this venture,” Vítor said.

So, what’s Autobook all about?

Vítor offered this explanation; “Autobook aims to connect your car to everything it needs… It’s a one-stop shop for everything related to cars. Whether you’re a car owner, a die-hard enthusiast, or a pro in the industry, we’re creating a space where everyone can get together, manage their rides, find top-notch services and dealers, and just talk about cars.

I envisioned a platform that could streamline these aspects and bring the entire automotive community together in one place, giving easy information for those who seek reliable information about their vehicles without relying on friends or spending time looking on the internet on old-school forums about precious information.

Say you’ve got a VW Golf R MK7.5. With Autobook, your feed is instantly filled with stuff just for Golf R owners: mods, mechanics, costs, dealers, selling, buying, specific information, you name it. 

It’s like having a car buddy who knows exactly what you need.” 

Vítor and Renato began working on their idea for Autobook during their studies: putting their lessons from the classroom directly into practice. In the years since they both graduated, they’ve continued to apply their lessons to developing the business further. 

“My time at Torrens University was instrumental in preparing me for launching Autobook, but it also expanded my knowledge, which I used to improve my career at my previous and current jobs,” Vítor said. 

“The dual MBA and Master of Global Project Management program equipped me with critical skills in strategic planning, project management, and leadership.

The coursework and projects were designed to simulate real-world business challenges, which boosted my confidence in handling complex situations. Furthermore, the diverse and dynamic environment at Torrens University helped me develop a global perspective, which is essential for creating a platform that serves a broad audience like Autobook, but most importantly, it gave me the chance to meet great people, like my partner.”

In addition to skills and networking, Vítor and Renato also took advantage of the support services, contacts and help that staff had to offer.

“The support from the staff at Torrens University was also invaluable. Professors and mentors provided guidance and feedback that helped shape my entrepreneurial mindset.

Their willingness to share insights from their own experiences and connect me with industry resources was incredibly beneficial. 

Additionally, the university’s network and events offered opportunities to engage with other professionals and entrepreneurs,” Vítor stated. 

Vítor graduated from his MBA and Master of Project Management back in 2018. Since then he’s been working in diverse roles, while also developing Autobook alongside Renato. They are on target to launch Autobook MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in July, which is a simple version designed to start collecting feedback from users. 

It’s an exciting time for Vítor, to bring his venture finally to market after years of development. 

“My personal hope for the app is that it will transform how car owners and professionals interact and manage their automotive needs,” Vítor expressed. 

“I envision Autobook becoming the must-have platform for anyone looking to streamline their car management, connect with reliable service providers, and engage with a passionate automotive community. Ultimately, I expect it will make the car ownership experience more enjoyable, efficient, and connected.”

Does Vítor have any advice for other students and budding entrepreneurs who might want to follow his example, and start their business ventures?

“To all the aspiring entrepreneurs at Torrens University, my advice is to embrace the learning opportunities and connections you make during your studies. Leverage the practical experiences and knowledge from your courses, and don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your professors and mentors. Stay curious, be open to learning from every experience, and never underestimate the power of a strong network.

Most importantly, be passionate about your ideas and persistent in pursuing them. Entrepreneurship is a journey filled with challenges, but with determination and the right support, you can turn your vision into reality. 

Dreaming and being creative is the best way to leave your mark on the planet. There is nothing more rewarding than creating something that benefits others. It is a form of altruism that allows you to turn your dreams and plans into reality. By doing so, you can grow and learn from your ideas.”

You can follow Autobook here as it goes live, and download the app as soon as it hits the market.